undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only

1

a

: the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken : enterprise

3

: pledge, guarantee

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking.

He advised us against such a risky undertaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

The team itself is keeping information as tight as possible, which is some undertaking given the stakes of the search for the organization, fan interest and the sheer number of people involved. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

The epic nature of the work, spanning war in heaven and the creation of the world, has defeated others before — including a high-profile Alex Proyas-Warner Bros version starring Bradley Cooper — but Avary and Ex Machina believe AI can make the undertaking more manageable. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

These noteworthy prosecutions, often built under racketeering or similar statutes, are resource-intensive, multiyear undertakings that culminate in sweeping indictments, dramatic news conferences and lengthy sentences. —Andrew S. Boutros, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

The new grant is the latest undertaking of GPS, which for the past two years has been presenting events of different kinds at its homebase on the Bowery known as The Bunker. —Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

Rhymes for undertaking

• merrymaking
• moneymaking
• overtaking
• papermaking
• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• making

Kids Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ

only

1

a

: the act of a person who undertakes something

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken

Legal Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing

1

: a promise or pledge especially required by law

2

: something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security especially in a court

Note: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.